Yamaha intros ARIUS YDP-C71PE digital piano [NAMM12]

Yamaha adds to its ARIUS line of digital pianos — which already include the YDP-S31, YDP-181 and YDP-V240 — with the YDP-C71PE.

Featuring a Graded Hammer (GH) 88-key keyboard and 3-level Advanced Wave Memory (AWM) dynamic stereo sampling system, it comes with a luxurious polished ebony finish and offers a much improved acoustic system designed to give a cleaner sound with more presence.

128 notes of polyphony should be enough for the most demanding musical passages, while two track recording is great for capturing performances and improving technique.

Yamaha ARIUS YDP-C71PE digital piano

Specifications

Here’s the full specification sheet:

Size/Weight

Control Interface

Cabinet

Voices

Effects

Songs

Functions

Storage and Connectivity

Amplifiers and Speakers

Power Supply

Accessories

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros RP301 and RP301R digital pianos [NAMM12]

Roland has introduced the RP301 and RP301R digital pianos, both featuring its SuperNATURAL sound technology, Ivory Feel-G keyboard and a number of features designed to make piano playing more fun and rewarding.

We don’t have the detailed specifications for each model, but it seems that the RP301R additionally features 60 built-in accompaniments and an intelligent chord recognition system, making it more suited to those who want that bit extra than most digital pianos offer.

Key features of the RP301 are:

• SuperNATURAL Piano recreating authentic piano expressiveness
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard for true piano feel and touch
• Easy access to features for practice and performance with dedicated front-panel buttons
• Metronome, recorder, and Twin Piano features convenient for skill building
• Environment friendly; low power consumption and Auto Off function
• Two beautiful cabinet finishes: Satin Black and Simulated Rosewood

And of the RP301R:

• 60 built-in rhythm accompaniments enrich your piano performance
• Newly developed full-keyboard chord recognition engine
• Three versatile playing modes: Pianist, Split Chord, and Split Tone
• Perfect sound through SuperNATURAL piano technology
• Authentic piano touch and feel with Ivory Feel-G keyboard
• Rhythm accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory
• Built-in LCD enhances the user-friendly operation
• Environment-concious design with Auto Off function and low power consumption (12 W* under the condition of average use without compromising its powerful sound)

Of particular interest to those who like auto-accompaniment features is the intelligent full-keyboard chord recognition system. Roland claims this means the pianist doesn’t need to change their playing style in order for the accompaniment system to recognise and adapt to the chords being played.

This is in contrast to the systems traditionally found on other keyboards whereby the player is forced to play chords in the lower octave or two of the keyboard with the left hand, or even to play various note combinations which denote major, minor and other chords.

Those systems work well if you get used to them, but not so well for trained pianists who are used to playing chords with the right hand, or split between left and right hand, often in differing inversions. It will be interesting to hear how well Roland’s technology copes with the many variations in chord style (including broken chords/arpeggios perhaps?)

Here’s more information about the different features found on the RP301 or RP301R.

60 Built-In Rhythm Accompaniments for Piano Performance

The RP301R incorporates 60 built-in rhythm accompaniments spanning 11 music genres, which are designed to enrich your musical repertoire and enjoyment. Each rhythm accompaniment contains an Intro, Ending, Variation, and Fill patterns that includes a basic rhythm part (drums/percussion) and melodic accompaniments, such as bass, guitar, and strings. Rhythm accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory.

Intelligent Full-Keyboard Chord Recognition (Pianist Mode)

Make incredible music with the RP301R’s newly developed full-keyboard chord- recognition engine, which reacts to the pressing level of the damper pedal. Any chord you play can be recognized in real time, allowing the auto-accompaniment to follow what you play. You can play along with sophisticated rhythm accompaniments without changing your piano playing style.

SuperNATURAL Piano

The RP301/RP301R incorporates Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano engine — a cutting-edge technology derived from the flagship V-Piano as well as 88-key stereo multisampling. SuperNATURAL Piano brings a new level of authentic sound and natural performance to the digital domain. Roland’s engineers relentlessly analyzed the complex, ever-changing characteristics of concert grand pianos, faithfully capturing and reproducing the tonal variations based on the velocity of each keystroke. With SuperNATURAL, three key elements are dramatically enhanced: velocity response, note decay and key-range behavior. The end result is an incredibly expressive and authentic sound that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

Featuring Roland’s acclaimed Progressive Hammer Action design with Escapement, the RP301/RP301R’s Ivory Feel-G keyboard inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on our flagship pianos. Thanks to a combination of advanced sensor technologies and our SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the RP301/RP301R offers expression and performance that rivals high-end pianos.

Practice and Performance

The RP301/RP301R is equipped with friendly features to enhance your skills. The Twin-Piano feature, for example, is designed for side-by-side lessons or performances with a teacher or duet partner. It enables the keyboard to be split into two parts, each of which covers the same octaves. This makes it easy to see and hear when practicing beside a teacher. In the same way, the left and right pedals can be reassigned to act as damper pedals for either side of the split keyboard. The RP301/RP301R also has built-in metronomes and recorders, so you can practice with a perfect time reference, and record and listen back to your performances. The built-in song library includes a selection of classical piano etudes — great for practice sessions.

Digital Advantage

With the RP301/RP301R, you can play day or night, year after year, and enjoy perfect sound and performance. Since the instrument is fully digital, there are no strings to tune, and no need to worry about temperature changes or aging strings. Furthermore, the RP301 gives you the choice of playing through its built-in speakers, its external output, and/or through headphones so you can practice privately day or night without disturbing your neighbors. The built-in external input lets you connect an audio player for play-along fun.

Roland intros F-120 digital piano [NAMM12]

Building on the successful F-110, Roland introduces its F-120 digital pianos, which it says are ideal for pianists wanting authentic sound and touch in a compact, contemporary cabinet.

Key features include:

• SuperNATURAL Piano engine onboard
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard for true piano feel and touch
• Compact, lightweight and stylish cabinet
• Dedicated front-panel buttons for piano practice, lessons, and performance
• Metronome, recorder, and Twin Piano features for lessons or side-by-side performance
• Environment friendly; low power consumption and Auto Off function
• Two classy finishes: Satin Black and White

Read more about the features below:

SuperNATURAL Piano

With Roland’s breakthrough SuperNATURAL Piano engine at its core, the F-120 brings a new level of authentic sound and natural performance to the digital domain. Roland’s engineers relentlessly analyzed the complex, ever-changing characteristics of concert grand pianos, faithfully capturing and reproducing the tonal variations based on the velocity of each keystroke. With SuperNATURAL, three key elements are dramatically enhanced: velocity response, note decay and key-range behavior. The end result is an incredibly expressive and authentic sound that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

The F-120 is outfitted with an Ivory Feel-G keyboard, featuring Progressive Hammer Action with Escapement, inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on Roland’s flagship pianos. Thanks to the combination of the latest sensor technologies and the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the F-120 offers expression and performance that rivals that of high-end pianos.

Slim Cabinet Design

Compact, stylish and only 30cm deep, the F-120 can be placed anywhere in your room. The unique folding-lid design covers the keyboard safely when closed, and serves as a music rest when raised. The F120 is available in two beautiful finishes: Satin Black and White.

Skill-Building Features

More than a great piano, the F-120 is equipped with features to enhance your skills. The Twin-Piano feature, for example, is designed for side-by-side lessons or performances with a teacher or duet partner. It enables the keyboard to be split into two parts, each of which covers the same octaves. This makes it easy to see and hear when practicing beside a teacher. In the same way, the left and right pedals can be reassigned to act as damper pedals for either side of the split keyboard. The F-120 also has a built-in metronome and recorder, so you can practice with a perfect time reference, and record and listen back to your performances.

Digital Advantage

With the F-120, you can play day or night, year after year, and enjoy perfect sound and performance. Since the instrument is fully digital, there are no strings to tune. No need to worry about temperature changes or aging strings. And since it’s digital, the F-120 lets you play through its built-in speakers, its external output, or privately through headphones. The built-in external input lets you connect an audio player for play-along fun.

Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros HP500 Series of digital pianos [NAMM12]

Hot on the heels of Roland’s LX-15 announcement come three upright digital pianos in the new HP500 series.

By now you’ll be fairly familiar with Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound technology. It’s appeared in many of Roland’s newer digital pianos including all in the HP300 series (the HP302, HP305 and HP307) as well as the HPi-6F and HPi-7F.

In the HP500 series, the HP503 seems to be the more entry level model. It features an Ivory Feel-S keyboard with escapement, while the HP505 and HP507 feature Roland’s PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action III) ivory feel keyboard. All three keyboards feature keys with moisture absorption properties, making them feel much more like authentic ivory and ebony.

Other features include:

• Natural, organic multi-dimensional sound field of an acoustic piano produced by Acoustic Projection technology (HP505/507)
• SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine with seamless tonal changes according to touch, plus beautiful decay and faithful reproduction of the differences in tone between each key
• PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action III) Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement (HP505/507) and Progressive Damper Action Pedal
• Play classical piano masterpieces using the authentic sounds (such as true fortepiano) they were written for
• Elegant and bold design; HP500-series pianos are perfect for traditional or contemporary interiors
• Onboard LCD offers user-friendly operation with straightforward front-panel layout
• Energy-saving technology achieves powerful and dynamic sound with lower power consumption

Although we don’t have the detailed specifications yet, we expect to see at least 128 note polyphony (possibly 256 on the higher models).

Read more on the features below:

Innovative Acoustic Projection Sound System

The unique sound space that is created when you play an acoustic piano — the resonance between strings and the resonance from the piano’s frame or body — is realized through a complex and yet harmonious combination of elements. The HP507 and HP505 create this realistic sound space through innovative Acoustic Projection technology, which marries the multi-dimensional sound system found in the flagship V-Piano Grand with our SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine. Acoustic Projection delivers its magic though a multi-channel speaker system, with each speaker located properly to project each sound element in its natural position. The sound elements from each speaker are intelligently blended to reproduce the true soundfield of an acoustic piano.

SuperNATURAL Piano Engine

All three of the new HP-series pianos incorporate Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology for seamless velocity response, natural note decay, and authentic key-range behavior to reproduce perfect piano sound and expression. Tone color changes seamless in response to touch, accurately translating the player’s emotions. Tone decay is natural and organic, with the decaying sound not only decreasing in volume, but also gradually changing in color to a softer tone. Each note has its own character, which creates variations in tonal color and resonance of each note.

Authentic Fortepiano Tones Onboard

In addition to the selection of onboard grand-piano sounds, the new HP500 series features a newly added Early Piano category containing four fortepiano variations and two harpsichord variations. Masterpieces composed by maestros such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin can be played with the original sounds from the period. The appreciation and understanding for the piece is heightened when using the instrument that was actually used by the composers. You can also play these early piano sounds with built-in historic temperaments which are ideal to play with other classical instruments.

Real-Feel Keyboards

The HP507 and HP505 are equipped with Roland’s flagship PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action III) Ivory Feel keyboard with Escapement. The HP503 contains an Ivory Feel-S keyboard with Escapement. With fast key-repetition and sensitivity, these keyboard faithfully translates into sound the subtle differences in tones from different playing styles and force at which they are played. The keys are finished with material that provides moisture-absorbing properties, resulting in a keyboard with the natural texture and tactile sensation of real ivory and ebony.

Progressive Damper Action Pedal

The HP500 series is equipped with “Progressive Damper Action Pedals” that have light resistance at the beginning of the stroke and more resistance the instant they begin to take effect, just like real acoustic pianos. This makes it easy for the performer to know when the pedals begin take effect, and also allows half-pedal techniques for subtle control of aftertones and resonance. This pedal can accurately convey the techniques of the most demanding pianists.

Built-In Audio/MIDI Recorder with Flexible Control (HP507/505)

The built-in recorder lets you capture your performances as audio and/or MIDI data — a convenient feature for pianists as well as students who want to evaluate their playing (HP507/505/503). Connect an external digital music player to the input jacks, play a song file, and the HP507 and 505 can transpose it in real time. You can even minimize the melody of an audio song using Center Cancel function. Play along and capture your performance as audio data. Recorded audio data can be saved onto USB Memory, and copied to an external computer for making audio CDs or for uploading to the Internet.

* USB memory is required for audio recording.

** The HP503 captures your performance as well as play backed SMF data as audio data.

Ease of Use

The simple and intuitive control panels afford quick and easy access to the HP500 series’ numerous features and applications. LCD panels provide the ideal visual interface with the instrument.

Environment-Conscious Design

All HP500-series pianos achieve low power consumption while still delivering high-impact performance. They also feature an Auto Off function, which, when activated, automatically switches the power off after a specified period of inactivity; inactivity time is selectable from 10 minutes, 30 minutes (default), 240 minutes, and off.

Exact pricing and availability is still to be confirmed.

Roland intros LX-15 upright digital piano [NAMM12]

Roland has introduced its LX-15 digital piano, building on the technology found in the LX-10 and LX-10F.

Featuring the SuperNATURAL sound engine with Soundboard Behaviour system, it offers organic sound and expressive potential.

The Acoustic Projection system delivers a natural, multi-dimensional sound, with a range of new and expanded keyboard instrument sounds to choose from including modern grand pianos, fortepianos and harpsichords.

The keyboard has been upgraded to the PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action) system for enhanced playing feel, including escapement. There’s also a progressive damper pedal, making the whole experience much closer to that of an acoustic upright piano.

Added to this there’s USB audio recording capability and a stylish, classical cabinet design so it will look great wherever it’s placed.

You can read more about the individual features below.

Innovative Acoustic Projection Sound System

The LX-15’s newly developed Acoustic Projection sound system creates a multi-dimensional sound field with accurate piano-resonance characteristics. The technology is derived from Roland’s acclaimed V-Piano Grand sound system. Six speakers are used for this system: The upper speakers provide ambience or various resonance portions; the middle speakers, located near the keyboard, enhance the image of the direct piano sound; the lower speakers recreate the piano body sound for rich bass and energy. The blend of those speakers creates a unique, deep sound field that dramatically enhances the expressiveness of the SuperNATURAL Piano.

SuperNATURAL Piano with Soundboard Behavior

The LX-15 incorporates Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology for seamless velocity response, natural note decay, and authentic key-range behavior to reproduce perfect piano sound and expression. Newly developed Soundboard Behavior technology emulates the natural characteristics of string vibrations on the soundboard, and is not found on conventional sampling pianos. The technology is based on the V-Piano’s soundboard modeling, and can enhance sound clarity even when many notes are played simultaneously.

Expanded Piano Selection

The built-in piano selection has been expanded in the LX-15. In addition to modern grand-piano sounds, a newly added Early Piano category contains four fortepiano variations and two harpsichord variations. Enjoy a treasured lineup of instruments new and old, spanning centuries.

Polished-Ebony Finished Cabinet

The LX-15’s polished-ebony finish gorgeous design cabinet features a contoured design for a strong, bold look with classical elegance. The graceful design fits well into any home environment, from classic to contemporary interiors. The mirror-finished fallboard reflects the keyboard and moving fingers, bringing a sense of visual enjoyment to your playing. The top lid can be closed and opened smoothly to shape the piano’s overall tonal character.

PHA III Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement

Roland’s high-end PHA III keyboard accurately responds to the players touch, from the most subtle and delicate to the most dynamic technique. The escapement mechanism reproduces the authentic click-feel of a grand-piano keyboard. The keyboard also features Roland’s acclaimed Ivory Feel surface material, which replicates the texture of ivory and ebony.

Progressive Damper Action Pedal

The LX-15’s Progressive Damper Action pedal accurately reproduces the pedal response of an acoustic piano. When you first start to press the damper pedal, it offers lighter resistance, but as you continue to press, the resistance increases, just as on an acoustic piano. The damper pedal can also accurately express the unique sound decay when half-pedaling.

Built-In Audio/MIDI Recorder

The LX-15’s built-in recorder lets you capture your performances as audio and/or MIDI data — a convenient feature for pianists, as well as students who want to evaluate their playing afterward. Recorded audio data can be saved onto USB Memory*, and copied to an external computer for making audio CDs or for uploading to the Internet.

* USB memory is required for audio recording.

Exact pricing and availability is still to be confirmed. Be sure to also check out the new HP500 series of digital pianos.

Yamaha P95 Digital Piano – An Unbiased Review

By Roger Svenson

This article gives you a short, unbiased review of the Yamaha P95 digital piano and is based on what actual users say. You will find out what people think of the piano so that you can decide for yourself if it’s worth the investment.

To begin with, it is important to understand that if you want an objective review of this (or any other) digital piano, your best bet is to read reviews by third parties, such as actual users.

The manufacturers of the piano (in this case Yamaha) will of course present their product in the most favourable light. They have a product to sell. But actual users, on the other hand, have no agenda or ulterior motive. They simply give their honest feedback.

And what do users say about the Yamaha P95? You can choose to read hundreds of reviews, but this article summarizes the main points and gives you what might be called the “general consensus”.

1. Most users appreciate the authentic feel or “action” of the keyboard – the “weighted action” keyboard means that you experience the same resistance from the keys as you would on an acoustic piano. The keys are heavier on the lower end and become progressively lighter as you move up the keyboard. The vast majority of users love this feature and point out that Yamaha P95 feels very much “like a real piano.”
2. Most users also appreciate the piano sound of the Yamaha P95. Every digital piano aims to replicate the sound of an acoustic piano. According to a very large number of P95 users, the Yamaha P95 achieves this goal very nicely. Even highly-experienced musicians comment on the resemblance in sound to an acoustic piano.
3. Some users point out that the Yamaha P95 has fewer voices and sounds than other digital pianos. The Yamaha P95 has 10 preset voices, which is admittedly not as many as some other digital pianos on the market. If you are looking for a piano with a huge selection of different voices, you will probably be more attracted to other digital pianos. However, if you are primarily interested in the acoustic piano sounds and do not require all the “bells and whistles” that come with more expensive digital pianos, the chances are that you’ll be more than satisfied by the Yamaha P95
4. Another pleasing feature of the Yamaha P95 is its portabilityIt weights just 26 lbs (or 12kg) and is certainly the sort of instrument that you can move around, take to gigs and so on. Nor does this mean that you’re getting a “lesser” piano. The Yamaha P95 has a full keyboard with 88 weighted keys, which makes its portability even more impressive.
5. If you live in small apartment or just don’t have room for a large instrument, then the Yamaha P95 is ideal. Its dimensions are such that you’ll be able to find a place for it even if you have limited space in your home. This is of course one of the main reasons why people purchase digital pianos over acoustic uprights or grands.

Hopefully this brief review has given you a better idea of the Yamaha P95. This digital piano receives extremely high ratings from customers on all the major online stores (4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon, for instance) and is likely to satisfy your needs extremely well if you are looking for a portable piano with authentic sound and feel.

Though there are other digital pianos available with more voices, few can compare with the Yamaha P95 in terms of calibre and popularity. In addition, at just over $500 (online) the P95 is highly affordable, particularly when you consider that a “real” acoustic piano costs about ten times the price.

The Yamaha P95 is not a perfect piano (if such a piano even exists) but if you are like the vast majority of users you will find that it provides an extremely satisfying alternative to its more expensive acoustic counterparts.

Roger Svenson is a music enthusiast and is interested in digital pianos such as the Yamaha P95 and other top models.

Click here for a great deal on the Yamaha P95 digital piano.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Svenson – http://EzineArticles.com/?Yamaha-P95-Digital-Piano—An-Unbiased-Review&id=6800679

Josh Charles releases “Life Ain’t Fair” using Casio Privia PX-3

Josh Charles, Casio’s Privia spokesperson, has announced his new single “Life Ain’t Fair”, co-written with Milton L. Brown.

Written using a Privia PX-3 digital piano Charles says, “‘Life Ain’t Fair’ is a song that speaks for what is happening to the socio-economic state of our country, and yet for as dark as days get, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel. You keep keepin’ on because that’s the only way to go.”

The track was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee at Omni Studios with Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives’ guitarist, Kenny Vaughan, with Harry Stinson on drums and background vocals, and bass player Paul Martin, Mike Noble — and Al Perkins on pedal steel guitar, who has recorded and toured with the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Randy Newman. Violin was added by Fats Kaplin, and the track was mixed by T.W. Cargile (Jamey Johnson). “Life Ain’t Fair” has just been released by Down Home Records / Interscope Digital Distribution.

“Josh Charles is one of the best musicians in the world, and we’re proud that he is using Privia digital pianos,” said Mike Martin, general manager of marketing, Electronic Musical Instruments Division for Casio America, Inc.

Yamaha intros YDP-135R digital piano

Check the Yamaha Arius YDP-135R price on our keyboard finder database.

Yamaha has extended its range of YDP series digital pianos, which also includes the YDP-161B and YDP-V420, with the introduction of the YDP-135R Arius model.

Decked out in an attractive dark rosewood finish, Yamaha has attempted to make this entry-level instrument highly playable and realistic. This makes it an ideal first full-size digital piano for the budding home pianist.

Graded Hammer Standard (GHS) keyboard with matte black keytops

The YDP-135R has an excellent entry-level piano action with graded keys that have a heavier touch in the low end and a lighter touch in the high end.

Variable Touch Sensitivity

Customise the response of the the keyboard to your playing style.

Advanced Wave Memory(AWM) Stereo Sampling

High-quality, spacious, stereo grand piano sound.

Three Piano-Style Foot Switches

The built-in soft, sostenuto and damper pedals complete the piano playing experience.

1-Track Sequencer

The built-in, 1-track performance memory allows you to record a single performance and play it back instantly, ideal for either review or to play along with. There’s also a built-in metronome to help you stay in perfect time.

50 Preset Piano Songs

50 classic piano songs are provided in the song player and as a music book, “50 Greats for the Piano.” These songs can be used for background music or as learning reference.

Simple, elegant design

A simple and elegant design fits into a wide range of decor and living spaces.

Specifications

Color/Finish

Size/Weight

Control Interface

Cabinet

Voices

Effects

Songs

Functions

Storage and Connectivity

Amplifiers and Speakers

Accessories

Availability

Available now for a RRP of around $1,199

Korg intros/updates SP-250 portable digital piano

Korg has announced its SP-250 digital piano, plus an SP-250BK model which is finished in jet black.

Here’s the puzzler. We first featured the Korg SP-250 digital piano back in October 2005 — some six years ago.

This seems a bit unusual. Manufacturers tend to revamp their keyboards and give them new model numbers at least every year or so. We presume that Korg’s technology has advanced and this digital piano has been updated along the way.

Anyway, read on to find out the key details of the SP-250 and SP-250BK.

Superb piano sound in a digital stage piano

The robust sound of a concert grand piano has been carefully and lavishly sampled for this digital stage piano. Differences in playing dynamics and position in the stereo field have been faithfully captured, delivering naturally expressive piano sounds that recreate every detail. The SP-250′s piano samples are longer than other pianos in its class. Increased length means the piano sound sustains more naturally, so the piano sounds more real throughout the performance, not just at the attack. Three versions of sound are provided in this wonderful and portable digital stage piano to cover different tastes and genre needs. To round out the piano offerings, the SP-250 also features a vintage electric grand sound, as well as an authentic honky-tonk piano.

Grand piano playing experience

The SP-250 is the first portable digital stage piano from Korg to feature the RH3 real weighted hammer action. This state-of-the-art key mechanism features differing key weights in each register of the keyboard, delivering the same playing experience as a grand piano. The keyboard is exceptionally responsive, even when playing quickly repeated figures, to preserve every expressive nuance of the performer. The Key Touch Control provides three selectable touch curves, delivering the perfect touch sensitivity for every playing style or type of song. Yet, even with such a robust keyboard, the SP-250 weighs less than 42 pounds (19 kg.).

A wide palette of sounds

In addition to its remarkable piano sound, the SP-250 portable digital stage piano includes a rich array of sounds that will extend your performance possibilities. An assortment of classic electric pianos (reed and tine styles), church and jazz organs, string and choir sounds, harpsichord and clav(s) elements and even mallet percussion and guitar sounds, are all available at the touch of a button. Two sounds can be layered together to play simultaneously; and of course, you can adjust the balance to get the perfect blend. To help you audition the sounds, 30 demonstration songs ranging from classics to originals are built in to this digital stage piano, showing off all the sounds in a variety of musical genres.

Dual effects

To further enhance the sound, the SP-250 provides both a Reverb effect, that recreates the spaciousness of a concert hall, and a Chorus effect that adds a colourful depth to the sound. The effects settings have been optimised for each individual sound and the user can choose from three levels – Light, Normal and Deep – to complement his or her performance.

Style and versatility

The chic body design is highlighted by metal and wood-grain accents, with a solid music rack included that mounts in seconds. The control panel is simple and easy-to-use and includes 19 LED indicators providing for instant visual feedback. The SP-250 is perfect for those who appreciate quality in both sound and design.

Full range sound system

The SP-250 contains a custom system, featuring two 10 cm dual-cone speakers matched to a pair of 11-Watt amplifiers that beautifully reproduce the rich sounds of a piano. The bass-reflex speaker system ensures that every bit of the deep resonances distinctive to a great piano will be heard.

Stand and pedal included

The SP-250 portable digital stage piano includes a high-quality damper pedal that is vital for proper piano performance. It provides the ultimate expressive control thanks to half-pedalling, which is a variable damping effect based on how deep you press the pedal, rather than the simple on/off switch found on cheaper instruments. The dedicated stand is both simple and stylish, and fits securely into a recessed area in the bottom of the piano, providing a remarkably solid feel. The stand’s lower crossbar even prevents the pedal from “creeping” forward in performance. Best of all, the SP-250 can be easily removed from the stand for easy moving and carrying during live performances.

Convenient features

Two headphones can be connected simultaneously, providing for student-teacher use or family enjoyment. Thanks to stereo outputs, you can listen to the sounds of the SP-250 through external speakers, a great feature for professional performances, schools and places of worship, and for recording purposes. MIDI In/Out jacks connect the SP-250 portable digital stage piano to a synthesiser or other MIDI-equipped device (computer/sequencer), allowing the SP-250 to be used as both a master keyboard and a 16-part multi-timbral sound module for performance and composition.

The Key Transpose function lets you shift the pitch of the instrument to match the key of a singer, or to play along with your favourite CDs. An onboard Metronome is convenient for practicing. You can add an accent to the first beat (with normal or bell sounds), and adjust its volume. There’s also a dedicated slider for easy adjustment of the tempo.

In addition to equal temperament, the SP-250 provides the two most common Baroque and Classical era tunings (Kirnberger and Werckmeister) for historically-accurate performances.

Korg SP-250 Specifications

Keyboard:
88 notes (A0 – C8), Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard

Touch Control:
Light, Normal, Heavy

Sound Generation:
Stereo Sampling System

Polyphony:
60 notes (max)

Programs:
30 sounds (5 Pianos, 7 Electric Pianos, Harpsichord, 2 Clavs, Vibraphone, Marimba, Acoustic Guitar, 3 Jazz Organs, 3 Church Organs, 3 Strings, 3 Choirs)
Two Programs can be layered

Effects:
Reverb, Chorus (3 levels each)

Demo:
30 songs (10 songs in 3 banks)

Metronome:
Tempo, Time Signature, Accent and Volume controls

Tuning:
Key Transpose, Fine Tuning, Temperament (Equal, Kirnberger, Werkmeister)

Pedal:
Damper-style (included), half-pedaling supported

Main Amp:
2 x 11 Watt

Audio Outputs
L/R 1/4″ outputs
1/4″ Headphone

Speakers:
2 Dual Cone Speakers (2 x 10 cm) with bass-reflex speaker box

Power Supply:
DC 12V (External AC adapter) 3.5A

Power Consumption:
42W

Dimensions:
50.98” (W) x 14.96” (D) x 5.51” (H)
main unit only, not including stand

Weight:
41.89 lbs. (19 kg) main unit only, not including stand.

Included Items:
Stand, Music stand, Damper pedal, AC adapter

* Sound processed by INFINITY.

Roland FP-4F: the lighter quality digital piano

Roland has introduced a lighter relative of its popular FP-4 digital piano.

The FP-4F is designed to be travel-friendly, taking the best features of the FP-4 such as V-Piano technology, SuperNATURAL piano engine, Ivory Feel-G 88-key keyboard with escapement and session partner accompaniment and putting them in a stylish, practical on-the-road body.

Features include:

• SuperNATURAL Piano engine onboard
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard with Escapement
• Built-in stereo speaker system
• Session Partner feature provides rhythm and accompaniment patterns
• USB storage and audio-file playback capabilities
• Available in black (FP-4F-BK) or white (FP-4F-WH) finishes
• Compatible with DP-10 pedal (included) or RPU-3 triple pedal (optional)
• Ideal for stage use with KS-18Z stand (optional), and home use with KSC-44 stand (optional)

SuperNATURAL Piano

The FP-4F’s SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine combines our award-winning V-Piano technology with an exceptional 88-key stereo multisampling core. By extensively analyzing the characteristics of world-class concert pianos, we have faithfully replicated the unmatched tone color and expressiveness of a fine acoustic grand piano. SuperNATURAL Piano delivers the ultimate playing experience, with seamless tone variation according to touch, smooth and natural tone decay with no “looping,” and maximum expressivity in each individual key.

Compact and Ready to Travel

With a body that’s only 30.5 cm (12-1/16 inches) depth and a weight of only 16.6 kg (36 lbs 10 oz), the FP-4F is very convenient to transport, and it’s available in two classic finishes: white or black. At home or onstage, the FP-4F is friendly to operate with its high-visibility LCD, which provides a clear view of tones, song names, and parameters. You can place the FP-4F on any flat surface, or add a matching KSC-44 stand (optional) for a realistic piano look and feel. For performers who desire the utmost in portability, the collapsible KS-18 stand is an ideal match.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

Featuring Roland’s acclaimed Progressive Hammer Action design with Escapement, the FP-4F’s Ivory Feel-G keyboard inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on our flagship pianos. Thanks to the combination of the latest sensor technologies and the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the FP-4F offers expressivity and performance that rivals that of high-end pianos.

Virtual Backing Band

The FP-4F’s Session Partner provides rhythm and accompaniment patterns created by professional musicians, letting you play along with an onboard dynamic backing band! You can even have the FP-4F play chord changes and ad-libs, or add complete accompaniment to a sing-along piece during a live performance. You’ll enjoy exploring the diverse range of built-in rhythm patterns, which are great song starters, as well as musical metronomes for improving your sense of timing.

Newly Designed Speaker System

Though the FP-4F’s newly designed speakers are compact in size, they deliver a rich and dynamic sound that’s perfect for intimate performances anywhere. At home and in smaller venues, you can simply plug in and play without having to carry a separate amplifier or set up a PA system.

USB Expansion

With its support for USB flash memory, the FP-4F lets you conveniently store your recorded performances and keyboard settings. You can also download SMF and WAV files from your computer and play them via a USB memory key from the FP-4F, or connect a USB CD drive (Roland’s CD-01A; sold separately) to blend your favourite audio CDs with your keyboard performance; both are great ways to add backing tracks to a live performance or to learn to play along with pre-recorded songs. Additionally, you can employ the Centre Cancel feature to minimise pre-recorded vocals or lead instruments for play- and sing-along fun, and use the Tempo Change feature to speed up or slow down a song without changing the pitch.

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